From the Commissioner’s Desk

Dear Friends,

I’m sorry to be in your inbox a little late this month, but the good news is you get two newsletters in December! Now that we are all in full holiday mode, I’m asking everyone in St. Lucie County to stay aware, stay alert, and stay safe. Have your vehicle keys ready before you walk out of stores—even during the day—and be aware of your surroundings. Put your phone down; our roads get busier this time of year, and it only takes a moment of distraction to change everything. Happy belated Thanksgiving!!

Data Center Info

I have been taking the time to meet with residents and constituents regarding the Data Center coming to St. Lucie County.

 

 

Fun at the Governor’s Mansion

I had the honor of attending the Halloween Celebration at the Governor’s Residence with Veronica Kolibab.

 

 

 

 

 

Trailblazer Award

Meet Ben Balcer

I have been with St. Lucie County since February 2012, when I was hired as a senior environmental planner with the Environmental Resources Department. After serving in that role for more than three years, I was promoted to environmental regulations manager. In 2019, I had the opportunity to join the Planning and Development Services Department as assistant director, and in February 2023, I was honored to be promoted to serve as the director of Planning and Development Services.

I currently serve as the Planning and Development Services Director. In this role, I have the privilege of leading a talented team of 68 professionals across four divisions: Planning & Zoning, Building & Code Enforcement/Contractor Licensing, Geographic Information Services (GIS), and Economic Development.

I also coordinate the activities of several County boards and commissions, including the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate, Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission, Contractor Licensing Board, and Historical Commission. In addition, I serve as the County’s Floodplain Administrator, helping ensure that development activities meet state and federal flood prevention standards.

I was born and raised right here in St. Lucie County. I attended Lawnwood Elementary and Lincoln Park Academy for middle and high school, and I’m also a proud alumnus of Indian River State College. Having grown up here, it’s incredibly rewarding to now serve the community that shaped me.

I earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Florida State University, which provided a strong foundation in land use, transportation, and environmental planning. That academic background, combined with local government experience, has given me a deep appreciation for the balance between growth management, environmental stewardship, and community character that defines St. Lucie County.

I’ve been fortunate to participate in and lead several initiatives that strengthen our community’s sustainability and quality of life. I’ve contributed to key updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code, helping modernize policies related to neighborhood compatibility, environmental protection, and permitting efficiency.

I’m actively engaged in supporting economic development and job creation throughout the County, collaborating with the Board of County Commissioners, the Economic Development Council, local businesses, and regional partners to attract investment, expand employment opportunities, and ensure that St. Lucie County remains a place where both businesses and residents can thrive.

Most importantly, I take pride in the culture within Planning and Development Services, which emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

 

 

Shadow the Commissioner

Commissioner Fowler welcomed her newest “Shadow the Commissioner” student, Jennifer Avellaneda Vega from Treasure Coast High School. She was joined by Dayanara Morrison, returning for her third visit. Both students were bold enough to participate on an actual meeting day, getting a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a county commissioner and even taking a seat at the dais.

Each participant of Leadership Class 42 received a voucher from Commissioner Fowler to come and spend a day participating in our Shadow the Commissioner program. Audra Macon spent the day getting a sneak peek at county government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This County Takes Spirit Week Seriously!!

Happy Halloween!! Commissioners make the best judges!